Provocative Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite criticism from various religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”